Transportation Department preparing for looming scenario

The possibility of budget sequestration -- automatic spending cuts at the federal level -- has the Department of Transportation preparing for reductions that would likely affect airport operations in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Among the changes under consideration: furloughs for many of the 47,000 employees working for the Federal Aviation Administration; elimination of overnight shifts at 60 facilities; and closure of more than 100 air traffic control facilities.

The latter move will almost certainly apply to some centers in Louisiana and Mississippi.

On Friday, the Department of Transportation identified sites it would consider closing. The list identifies five air traffic facilities in Louisiana and seven in Mississippi.

Locations close to New Orleans include Lakefront Airport, and Stennis International Airport in Bay St. Louis. Neither of those airports is used for traditional commercial travel.

Airports in Monroe, Lake Charles, and Shreveport are listed, as well. There is no mention of plans that would close facilities at Armstrong International Airport or Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.

Officials noted that the scope and details of any closures are still being assessed. Any furloughs and shut-downs would begin to take effect in April, they said.